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About the House

The Minnesota House of Representatives is composed of 134 members, with each representing
approximately 36,713 constituents.

Members are elected to a two-year term.

The House is led by the speaker of the House, a position widely accepted as the second - most
powerful in Minnesota state government, behind the governor. The speaker is elected by a
majority of members at the beginning of each legislative session. The speaker appoints committee chairs
and vice chairs, and names members of both parties to committees. The
speaker also presides over House floor sessions, refers introduced legislation to standing
committees and appoints conference committee members.

The House majority leader chairs the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee and
oversees the day-to-day administrative operations of the House. The majority leader traditionally
leads the caucus during floor debates.

The House minority leader is chosen by the members of the minority caucus to enunciate the
minority position during floor debate.

Any tax bill or other bill that raises revenue must originate in the House of Representatives,
according to Article IV, Section 18 of the Minnesota Constitution.

Historically, the House has been — and remains — the more informal of the two
legislative bodies. While there is no written dress code governing the
Legislature, Senate members observe a more formal standard. Male senators all
wear ties, with most also adhering to the "white shirt" formal standard. In the
House, members are at times without neckwear.